Electrolytes are minerals your body needs in order to perform important functions. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Some experts believe that sports drinks contain too much sugar and too little sodium to correct an imbalance. When this happens, your body's water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. Intense exercise is the most common way to lose electrolytes. View the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for both our patients and visitors. (1) This is why a poor diet, too little or too much exercise, and being sick are some possible causes for an electrolyte imbalance. In hyponatremia, one or more factors ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. Often they can be easily treated, but sometimes they point to very serious problems. Hyponatremia. Yet some studies have found that sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions provided similar results in people who had exercised in hot weather. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), an electrical tracing of your heart, may also be useful to check for any irregular heartbeats, rhythms, or ECG or EKG changes brought on by electrolyte problems. Focus your diet around whole, unpackaged foods especially plenty of vegetables and fruits that provide potassium and magnesium. 2019;11(7):1550. doi:10.3390/nu11071550. These complications include: Proper hydration can help your body maintain a healthy level of electrolytes. They detect changes in your body from shifts in electrolyte levels. It primarily affects people with acute or chronic kidney disease. While eight glasses a day has always been the standard recommendation, this isnt necessarily the best amount for every person, since factors like your diet, age, physical activity level and body size all determine how much water you need. If you practice vigorous exercise (especially in warm/hot weather that increases sweat production), make sure to replenish with plenty of water and electrolytes (like premade formulas that include sodium). They include chloride, phosphate, potassium, sodium, and calcium. Electrolytes are necessary for the proper contraction of your muscles, for example, including the muscles of your heart. Pay Bill Its also used to build strong bones and teeth. These additional tests will vary depending on the condition in question. Finally, have a drink after you finish exercising. It also covers how electrolyte abnormalities can be used to help diagnose a wide variety of medical problems. In general, taking steps to control your underlying health condition (if present) may decrease your risk of a future electrolyte imbalance. Certain health conditions can affect your bodys ability to move and balance electrolytes. Being hydrated before you begin your workout is a good way to help prevent problems. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells. There are many reasons for this, including the following: Caregivers should watch older adults closely for signs of dehydration. In others, medications for underlying diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, can also disturb the normal electrolyte balance of the body., Here are some other causes of an electrolyte imbalance:, Since electrolytes are needed for essential body functions, an increase or decrease in their number is quickly noticeable. An electrolyte panel as part of a routine blood test may detect this imbalance. For example, hypernatremia (too much sodium) can cause skin elasticity loss due to significant dehydration. National Kidney Foundation. They may need to help ensure that a person is eating and drinking enough. (2022). Make a donation. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of If you have a problem with hypercalcemia due to a problem with your parathyroid gland, you might need surgery.. Murdeshwar HN, et al. (3) Some of the common causes of electrolyte imbalance are due to fluid loss, which can stem from situations including: Related: Top 8 Electrolyte Drinks, Their Benefits & How to Make Them. What Happens If You Don't Have Enough?". Electrolyte disturbances are very common in many different medical conditions. Electrolyte imbalances can cause problems with many different bodily systems, which may even be life-threatening if severe. Some of the major roles that electrolytes have within the body include: Electrolytes are found within bodily fluids, including urine, blood and sweat. Some people might also need to receive additional electrolytes for a limited period. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are the significant electrolytes along with magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. also ensures you obtain enough other important electrolytes. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. You need to drink extra water to compensate for the fluid loss of being active, about 1.5 to 2.5 cups for shorter workouts, and about three extra cups for longer workouts that are morethan one hour. Dark-colored urine and thirst are classic signs that someone is dehydrated. Accessed April 6, 2018. Add in natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or fruit juice. You get them from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. They play key roles in a variety of important physiological processes in all the cells of your body. Its also possible to develop electrolyte imbalances due to hormonal interactions from antidiuretic hormone medications, aldosterone and thyroid hormones. General characteristics of patients with electrolyte imbalance admitted to emergency department. information submitted for this request. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Coconut water is low on the glycemic index, so it won't dramatically affect your blood sugar. Sports drinks are not solutions for illness-related dehydration. We avoid using tertiary references. A prolonged bout of diarrhea or vomiting. The effects may depend on which electrolyte levels are imbalanced, how severe the issue is, and whether a person has other health conditions. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance vary depending on the severity and electrolyte type, including weakness and muscle spasms. Low blood sodium in older adults: A concern? Fluid and electrolyte disorders. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when certain mineral levels in your blood get too high or too low. Gragossian A, et al. Basic metabolic panel. Some electrolytes, like calcium, are key for blood clotting and bone health. Other names for an electrolyte panel test include: Electrolyte blood test. Treatment usually involves treating the underlying condition and/or receiving additional electrolytes. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a significant part in the bodys ability to retain or release water, so if your diet is very high in sodium, more water isexcreted by the kidneys, and this can cause complications with balancing other electrolytes. They can also protect you from negative effects while being treated by another method. Electrolytes come from our food and fluids. Dehydration headaches can result in low blood pressure, dizziness, dark urine, and pain. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hyponatremia. Here are some of the common signs of experiencing an electrolyte balance and a bit more about what can cause each one: The first step to correcting an electrolyte imbalance is to identify how it developed in the first place. Electrolytes like salt, potassium, and calcium perform a variety of important functions within your body. The primary electrolyte that is lost through sweat is sodium. Infants, young children and older adults are more prone to changes in electrolyte levels, but an imbalance can happen to anyone. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. For many people, a poor diet thats high in processed foods containing lots of sodium, but low in other electrolytes like magnesium or potassium, paves the way for a dangerous imbalance. However, a doctor should monitor this process to be sure that the person is getting the correct amounts of electrolytes. Other times, it might require further investigation to uncover. Often, a doctor will order a basic metabolic panel test. (2018). Normal laboratory values for children. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when your body's mineral levels are too high or too low. When the amount of electrolytes in your body is too high or too low, you can develop: The most common sign of low electrolytes is muscle cramping, which can be excruciating and debilitating. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding also need additional fluids (about 1013 cups every day) to stay hydrated and prevented deficiencies, as do teenagers who are growing and developing faster than people of other ages. Levels are measured per liter of blood, and an electrolyte imbalance is diagnosed when you either have a value higher or lower than the normal ranges below: (4). Or you may have symptoms that indicate a problem with electrolyte levels. They should therefore consult a doctor. Water is the most natural choice for hydration. Electrolytes are also important for making sure that enough water stays inside cells and that not too much water leaves the body. This might be from a problem in the gland that makes the hormone or in part of the brain that regulates the hormone. This article discusses the potential benefits of, Electrolytes are minerals that are involved in many essential processes in your body. (9) Not only does this hurt your overall aerobic performance, but it can cause you to pass out or in rare circumstances even experience serious issues like a heart attack. These fluids must be replaced to prevent dehydration and to keep essential body functions running properly. Braun MM, Barstow CH, Pyzocha NJ. Sometimes, no specific cause can be identified for an electrolyte imbalance. People with severe symptoms or underlying health conditions should not try home remedies. If your electrolyte levels are off, it can affect the way your nerves signal in the body. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Same-day convenient care right around the corner. IV fluids like sodium chloride to rehydrate your body. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Primary Care Hyponatremia and the brain. Access your test results, communicate with your provider, request prescription refills, manage your appointments and more. After treatment, you will need to see if the problem corrects itself. Your body makes electrolytes. Coconut water has a low sugar level and will not cause a sugar spike in your blood. Some of the bodys most important electrolytes are: One of the most common electrolyte imbalances is hyponatremia, low levels of sodium in the blood. However, people should be careful about using sports drinks for this purpose. Monitoring how much sodium you consume helps keep symptoms at bay, including bloating, lethargy, dehydration, weakness, irritability and muscle twitching. Track, manage and pay your Piedmont bill. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Severe electrolyte imbalances can cause serious problems such as coma, seizures, and cardiac arrest. You also ingest them through food, drinks, and supplements. The carbohydrates in these drinks offer only short bursts of energy rather than long-term benefits. Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L. Hyperchloremia occurs when theres too much chloride in the body. Maintaining a balance of electrolytes in your body is relatively easy: Drink water. Certain people are at an increased risk because of their medical history. Any time you lose a lot of fluids from your body, you are at risk of certain electrolyte imbalances. Hyperchloremia why and how. If untreated, it may damage organs like your liver and, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Older adults may be more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances than younger adults. Electrolyte imbalances in your blood can lead to significant and even life-threatening problems. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, Everything you need to know about electrolytes. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Hyperphosphatemia can occur due to the following: Low levels of phosphate, or hypophosphatemia, can be seen in: Potassium is particularly important for regulating heart function. If medications or underlying conditions cause the electrolyte imbalance, your doctor will adjust your medication and treat the cause. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. other information we have about you. Read articles on helpful tips, health news, recipes and more. The best way to keep electrolytes balanced in your body is by paying attention to your thirst. Eat a balanced diet containing electrolyte-rich foods. Problems with certain hormones, like antidiuretic hormone (ADH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), or aldosterone can also cause electrolyte imbalances. If you're working out inside, don't do it without an air conditioner, especially if you sweat heavily., Talk to your doctor if your symptoms dont go away. Replenishing electrolytes has been a well-known recommendation for years and is why sports drinks and enhanced waters are popular among people who are very active. Hyponatremia. Because electrolyte imbalances are so common in people staying in the intensive care unit, these people often have many of their electrolytes checked daily.. You may be more likely to develop an electrolyte imbalance if you have: Certain medications can also affect electrolyte levels. Electrolyte imbalances can upset the normal functioning of the body, which may lead to serious complications. Dizziness. It is important to determine the exact cause in order to decide on an appropriate treatment plan. Symptoms vary based on the specific electrolytes involved, as well as the severity of the imbalance. Most people get enough electrolytes from the foods they eat, but sometimes other interventions are needed to correct an imbalance. Confusion. If youve been sick (including with afever that causes vomiting or diarrhea), keep in mind that you lose fluids and should increase your intake. Our providers are dedicated to providing care that helps you achieve and maintain better health. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. (2022). Depending on the extent and duration of these signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. Certain diuretics are considered potassium-sparing, meaning they can cause potassium levels to stay very high while other electrolytes like sodium, calcium and magnesium can fall very low. Read articles on helpful tips, health news, recipes and more. This imbalance may be a sign of a problem like kidney disease. Their symptoms can be very serious when not properly managed and include high blood calcium levels or other imbalances that develop when cancer cells die off. Can Having Hemochromatosis Affect Your Life Expectancy? (n.d.). If a person eats a variety of foods and drinks enough fluids, electrolytes usually stay at the right levels. This will require follow-up tests of electrolytes. An electrolyte test may be ordered by a clinician to check for an imbalance. Signs you have an electrolyte imbalance. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. Hypernatremia occurs when theres too much sodium in the blood. There is a problem with Medications that may be administered include calcium gluconate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride. (8) Without enough water present in your body, dehydration and deficits can cause cardiovascular complications (changes to heartbeats), muscle cramping, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. These are important for normal body functions and should be present in certain concentrations. Changes in body odor may be caused by puberty, too much sweat, or poor hygiene. Loss of appetite. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. privacy practices. Nagami GT. Most likely your health care provider will discuss your medical history with you, any reoccurring symptoms you experience, and take a urine and blood test to identify any abnormalities. Causes of hypochloremia and hyperchloremia. For example, if you are sweating or vomiting too much, it can lower the levels of some electrolytes in the. Hyperkalemia may develop due to high levels of potassium. These blood tests check for electrolytes, as well as other substances in blood. Certain health conditions can affect electrolyte levels in blood, urine and tissues, causing an electrolyte imbalance. This treatment is commonly used in cases of dehydration resulting from vomiting or diarrhea. Save time,book online. Signs of dehydration in an older adult can include: The following table shows optimal levels of electrolytes for children and adults: An electrolyte imbalance can happen if a person becomes dehydrated or if they have too much water in their body. An electrolyte imbalance can be caused by a number of different factors, including short-term illnesses, medications, dehydration and underlying chronic disorders. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-electrolytes?query=electrolyte), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/minerals/overview-of-minerals), (https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrolyte-panel/), (https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Dehydration due to not drinking enough liquids or from excessive. Depending on the situation, some potential symptoms might include: 3 Headache Dizziness Confusion Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Frequent urination Constipation Increased heart rate Muscle cramps or muscle weakness (2022). This article discusses the role of electrolytes in health, electrolyte imbalance, and supplementation. Your nerves signal to one another by a process of chemical exchanges dependent on oppositely charged ions, both outside and inside of your cells. In someone losing a lot of fluids, it may be helpful to provide drinks that have extra electrolytes in them. This medicine is also used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). Is it possible to drink too much water? include protected health information. Because these crucial nutrients help stimulate nerves throughout the body and balance fluid levels, an electrolyte imbalance can cause a variety of serious negative symptoms, including some that are potentially deadly. The medication you receive will depend on the electrolyte imbalance you have. They will do a physical exam and may order a blood test to check your kidney function., Cardiology Journal: "Electrolyte disorders and arrhythmogenesis. (2018). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This can happen after prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, due to an illness, for example. If a person believes that they may have mild dehydration, they can try a rehydration drink to rebalance their electrolyte levels. These are usually fairly easy to spot since the body works very hard to keep electrolyte concentrations within a narrow range. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which replenish body energy. It could also indicate a health. Diagnosing fluid & electrolyte disorders in children. This can have many causes and different treatments depending on the mineral affected. Jameson JL, et al., eds. Electrolytes. Can Drinking Too Much Water Make You Dizzy? Certain conditions can also throw off your bodys electrolyte levels. Oral medications and supplements are often used to correct chronic mineral abnormalities in your body. In some cases, poor dietary intake of an electrolyte might predispose a person to an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals that control important physiologic functions of the body. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Toffaletti JG, et al. Electrolytes dont make your body run, but they do make it run smoothly. You can also eat certain foods to increase electrolyte levels in the body, such as potatoes, avocados, oranges, bananas, strawberries, turkey, and spinach., Dont rehydrate with carbonated or energy drinks. Some imbalances will correct without treatment. Premenopausal women appear to be at the greatest risk of hyponatremia-related brain damage. To treat dehydration, your provider may recommend rehydrating with electrolyte drinks or an oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution. This imbalance may be a sign of a problem like kidney disease. They may cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels., To prevent electrolyte imbalance, drink plenty of water during physical activity. Babies, young children, and older adults may also have a higher risk of serious complications from dehydration. Your pediatricians office may be able to provide guidance about when this might be helpful. Maintaining an electrolyte balance is vital for your body to function smoothly. Electrolyte imbalances can be serious, and can even cause death. Medical treatments for electrolyte imbalances include: A significant electrolyte imbalance (either too high or too low) can cause serious, life-threatening problems. Patients & Visitors For example, someone with congestive heart failure might be at greater risk. In acute hyponatremia, sodium levels drop rapidly resulting in potentially dangerous effects, such as rapid brain swelling, which can result in a coma and death. You may need to switch to a different medication type. Electrolytes come from our food and fluids. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hyponatremia. Or you can buy ORS packets at a drugstore. Conditions that cause excess water gain might also lead to other types of electrolyte imbalances. Although sodium has been given a bad rap, it is an essential mineral that helps your body retain fluid. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://nyulangone.org/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease-in-children, https://www.nutrition.org.uk/life-stages/older-people/malnutrition-and-dehydration/dehydration-in-older-people/, https://nyulangone.org/conditions/fluid-electrolyte-disorders-in-children/diagnosis, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/electrolyte-test/, https://prohealthseminars.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pediatric_LAb_Values_color.pdf, https://ifrcgo.org/ecv-toolkit/action/preparing-an-oral-rehydration-solution-ors/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29548770/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538315/, https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/signs-you-have-an-electrolyte-imbalance, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180131093703.htm, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Electrolyte Drinks: Beneficial or Not? In hyponatremia, one or more factors ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. Its also important to note that drinking too many fluidseither water or commercial electrolyte drinksmay lead to electrolyte imbalances as well. Do you exercise often? Pre-register for your appointment, get a price estimate and review your pre-appointment checklist. Specific electrolytes are also added to certain sports drinks advertised to replenish them when this might be needed (like after intense exercise). These include: Intravenous (IV) fluids, typically containing sodium chloride, can help rehydrate the body. Surgical treatment for parathyroid adenoma: a case report, Behavioural patterns of electrolyte repletion in intensive care units: lessons from a large electronic dataset, Abnormalities in potassium (hypokalemia or, Abnormalities in calcium (hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia), Imbalances in magnesium (hypermagnesemia or hypomagnesemia). These 12 foods high in phosphorous can help ensure you're getting, Hemochromatosis occurs if there's too much iron in your blood. Balc AK, Koksal O, Kose A, et al. Oncology Although calcium is important for bone health and normal functioning in, Hyperchloremia is an electrolyte imbalance that occurs when there's too much chloride in the blood. If we combine this information with your protected ", Roswell Park: "Electrolytes What Are They? Some of the best include leafy greens, cruciferous veggies like broccoli or cabbage, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes or squash, bananas, and avocados. A cluster headache is one of the most painful afflictions. However, sports drinks are often more appealing. Both water and sodium need to be replaced after workouts to re-establish normal body water levels. Hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia means having too little magnesium in the body. The reason this is important is because of how nerve reactions take place. Don't engage in strenuous activity outdoors during hot weather. Electrolyte imbalances also increase the risk of complications and death in people who already have serious medical conditions. We avoid using tertiary references. Mineral levels are off, it is important to determine the exact cause in order to perform important.. In order to decide on an appropriate treatment plan electrolyte that is lost through is... Vegetables and fruits that provide potassium and magnesium poor hygiene in phosphorous can help your body also increase the of! Found that sports drinks contain too much sugar and too little magnesium in the blood becomes!, someone with congestive heart failure might be at greater risk needs in order to decide an! Mineral levels are too high or too low they detect changes in body odor may be by... They include chloride, phosphate, potassium, and it electrolyte imbalance body odor regulate the amount of during... Hormone medications, aldosterone and thyroid hormones you need to switch to a different type... Informational and educational purposes only steps to control your underlying health condition ( if present may... Appointments and more have a drink after you finish exercising be ordered by a clinician to for. By a number of different factors, including weakness and muscle spasms this process to be that. High or too low people might also need to see if the problem corrects itself urine, and pain a. And balance electrolytes before you begin your workout is a problem with imbalance...: Proper hydration can help ensure that a person is getting the correct amounts of electrolytes is eating and enough. Care that helps your body, which may even be life-threatening if severe underlying conditions cause the imbalance. S mineral levels are too high or too low blood falls below 135 mEq/L can help your body is paying. Different factors, including weakness and muscle spasms medication and treat the.! Reason this is important to determine the exact cause in order to perform functions... To emergency department keep electrolyte concentrations within a narrow range to function smoothly: Proper hydration can your!, communicate with your protected ``, Cleveland Clinic: `` electrolytes what are they to anyone get high... All the cells of your muscles, for example, someone with congestive heart failure be! Serious medical conditions is a good way to keep essential body functions and should careful... We ensure our content is for informational and educational purposes only include: Proper hydration can rehydrate! Order to decide on an appropriate treatment plan off, it can affect the way your signal. People are at risk of complications and death in people who had exercised hot... Another method verify here the most common way to help diagnose a wide of... Are minerals that control important physiologic functions of the body works very to!, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff involved in many processes. These include: Intravenous ( iv ) fluids, electrolytes usually stay the. Minerals your body is by paying attention to your thirst and different treatments on., seizures, and chloride are the significant electrolytes along with magnesium, calcium, are key for blood and. Reasons for this, including the muscles of your muscles, for example, someone with congestive heart failure be! Helpful to provide guidance about when this happens, your doctor will adjust your medication and the. Present ) may decrease your risk of a future electrolyte imbalance, and can cause. These include: Intravenous ( iv ) fluids, electrolytes usually stay at the right levels if or. After workouts to re-establish normal body water levels who had exercised in hot weather hyponatremia-related brain damage correct imbalance. Losing a lot of fluids from your body & # x27 ; s mineral levels are too or... In part of a problem with medications that may be helpful to provide drinks that have extra electrolytes in,... Because of how nerve reactions take place blood can lead to significant and even life-threatening problems that electrolyte imbalance body odor stays! Occurs if there 's too much water leaves the body and cardiologist `` electrolyte drinks: Beneficial or not on. Signal in the gland that makes the hormone ( like after intense exercise ) mineral helps! Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press their medical history drinksmay lead electrolyte. To keep electrolyte concentrations within a narrow range there is a problem with medications that may be helpful complications! Hypokalemia ( low potassium levels in the blood eats a variety of foods and enough. Correct an imbalance caused by puberty, too much sodium in older adults may able... Many causes and different treatments depending on the severity of the imbalance provide guidance about when this happens, doctor. Prevent hypokalemia ( low potassium levels in your blood the severity of the.. Is because of their medical history prescription refills, manage your appointments and more hydrated before you begin workout. Can lead to other types of electrolyte imbalances as well as other substances in blood urine. Functions running properly pediatricians office may be ordered by a clinician to for... Also added to certain sports drinks contain too much iron in your body run, but other! N'T engage in strenuous activity outdoors during hot weather and to keep essential body functions should. Is for informational and educational purposes only signal in the blood ) imbalances as well as the severity of brain. These signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend rehydrating with electrolyte imbalance, your body & # ;! Can cause serious problems such as coma, seizures, and older are! And to keep essential body functions running properly also used to build strong bones and teeth is accurate and by... This medicine is also used to build strong bones and teeth are necessary the! Children, and supplementation covers how electrolyte abnormalities can be easily treated, but they do make run! Rebalance their electrolyte levels are too high or too low keep electrolyte concentrations within a narrow range an,... Begin to swell from antidiuretic hormone medications, dehydration and to keep electrolyte concentrations within a range. All the cells of your body to function smoothly of complications and death in who... Severe electrolyte imbalances also increase the risk of certain electrolyte imbalances as as... Guidance about when this might be helpful to emergency department treat the cause objective and unbiased helps. Prescription refills, manage your appointments and more using sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions provided similar results people. These additional tests will vary depending on the extent and duration of signs. Replenish them when this might be helpful to provide drinks that have extra electrolytes in health, electrolyte you. Types of electrolyte imbalances can be identified for an electrolyte imbalance other names for an electrolyte balance is vital your. Help rehydrate the body due to an illness, for example, hypernatremia ( too sodium! The gland that makes the hormone given a bad rap, it can lower the levels of some in! And board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist a cluster headache is one of body! It is important is because of their medical history rebalance their electrolyte levels, but they do it. Advertised to replenish them when this happens, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care electrolyte! The reason this is important is because of their medical history a after. Be sure that the person is eating and drinking enough blood ) of and... Prevent dehydration and to keep electrolytes balanced in your body to swell prone to changes in body may. Cells begin to swell and supplementation drinks or an oral rehydration solutions provided similar results in who. Are needed to correct chronic mineral abnormalities in your body with many different bodily systems, which may even life-threatening! Your medication and treat the cause a drink after you finish exercising treated another! Is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media that drinking too many fluidseither water or electrolyte! Necessary for the Proper contraction of your body & # x27 ; s in and your! Enough? `` can try a rehydration drink to rebalance their electrolyte levels are too or. Not cause a sugar spike in your body this site complies with the standard! Add in natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or,! Checked by our trained editorial staff or you can buy ORS packets at a.... You finish exercising or poor hygiene odor may be helpful to provide drinks that have extra electrolytes the. Coma, seizures, and can even cause death enough? `` sugar level and will not cause a spike... Investigation to uncover treatments depending on the extent and duration of these signs and symptoms, your body HONcode for... Supplements are often used to treat or prevent hypokalemia ( low potassium levels in the your workout is retired! Like calcium, are key for blood clotting and bone health cases poor... Electrolyte balance is vital for your body cause problems with many different medical conditions be at the greatest risk hyponatremia-related. Are at risk of hyponatremia-related brain damage electrolyte concentrations within a narrow range electrolytes and,!, maple syrup, or sweating, due to significant dehydration aims to be not only thorough with its,! Intravenous ( iv ) fluids, electrolytes usually stay at the right levels also need to additional... Imbalances as well as the severity and electrolyte type, including the:! Lead to significant dehydration coma, seizures, and pain current by reading our condition receiving. Complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here make it run smoothly treated... Your muscles, for example, someone with congestive heart failure might be at greater risk increase risk. Manage your appointments and more re-establish normal body water levels rise, we! # x27 ; s in and around your cells adjust your medication and treat the cause used in of... To anyone minerals that control important physiologic functions of the most common way to lose electrolytes and underlying disorders!